Is The Buzzy Unexpected Red Theory Already Outdated?

Do you remember when the unexpected red theory took the Internet and home interior decor by storm? According this unique theory, introducing a pop of red color in any room, whether it matched or not, creates more dimension and visual interest throughout the home. While you should follow preferences rather than trends when decorating a space, this viral but polarizing TikTok home trend is giving way to curated additions of an earthy and sophisticated color, which still brings drama but in a more understated and moody way: pink. As interior design trends lean more into calming and comforting aesthetics, it's no surprise that bright colors are being swapped for more soothing tones. Pink may be replacing bright pops of red in the kitchen, offering a more subtle way to match various elements and palettes. 

There are many kitchen ideas that will make you think pink, even if you don't like the color as a rule. In fact, even if you're not partial to pink, it could help bring the vibe you've been wanting while blending everything, from textiles to cookware, in your kitchen. Since red is primary, it can be found in most secondary and tertiary colors, and it's only natural to use its shade, like pink, to draw focus in a room. Red allows us to create various shades of pink, and it makes sense that the bold base shade is giving way to a softer option that still provides dimension and drama.

Using pink in the home doesn't mean you have to make the space overly feminine or immature. In fact, there are plenty of hues that are stylish and will ground your home, making it more cozy and inviting. Depending on your interior theme, the shade of pink you want to use will vary. Using a deep, earthy pink in your kitchen helps create an inviting space, giving off a relaxing aesthetic while still introducing an elevating shade that sets the area apart. 

However, if you prefer something a little less dramatic or moody, you could try bringing in a lighter shade that still has warm undertones. Benjamin Moore's Pink Cloud is a nice, soft pink with a warm finish that will brighten a kitchen and give it more of an airy finish. This is still a nature-inspired color, but it offers a little more of a pop than the earthy deep tones of darker pinks, which could be considered closer to red. Lighter shades also make your kitchen seem more vibrant, which is a good reason to consider swapping red for softer pinks. 

Wondering how to incorporate the color into your space? Use pink paint to create an accent wall. Alternatively, HGTV's David Bromstad makes a solid case for pink kitchen cabinets, offering a different way to refresh the space — one that will work with a variety of themes, including minimalistic, maximalist, farmhouse or rustic, and even cottagecore.